TOH
He leans forward and kisses her deeply for a few minutes. Kissing Ibuki Sumire has become one of his new favourite hobbies. Thankfully Tsueno was too distracted, otherwise he knew Sumire would pull away.
She still acts oddly at public displays of affection, even though she is bolder about her affections now.
Sumire already told him everything that happened between her and Nagawa Sano. But, sometimes he thinks there is more she hasn't shared.
Sumire leaves his arms for a moment and places a lunch box in front of Tsueno, who was still engrossed. Sumire walks back over to him and tugs on his arm.
Toh nodded and the two of them exited the room.
"How has he been doing?" Sumire asked.
"Not so good, but I think we worked out the issue. So hopefully things start picking up."
"You're not bullying him are you?"
Toh raised his eyebrow. "Is that the sort of impression you have of me beautiful?"
Sumire's cheeks colour and she coughs. "Not that. But you do turn into a spartan when you're teaching."
Toh's lips curved to a smirk. "I see, does the lady disapprove of my methods?" He brushes his hands on her thighs causing Sumire to shudder.
Sumire pouted. "Not those methods! I'm talking about when you were teaching me how to make clothes."
Toh chuckles. "I am aware." He trails off scanning her face. 'It's not unusual seeing her flustered, but isn't her face too red?' He extends his hand out and brushed his hands across her forehead. Heat immediately transmitted to his palm.
He frowns and picks her up. "So, when were you going to tell me you had a fever?"
Sumire laughs and buries her face in his neck. "Now actually, why do you think I came to look for you?"
"I thought that was because you liked being in my presence."
Another soft laughter.
"That's true, I do." Sumire trails off. "But, I came to find you this early because I wasn't feeling well and wanted you to take me home."
'I'm glad she has learned to rely on me. In the past, she would have just continued working and neglected her health.'
Sumire's mental health has definitely gotten better.
"That's a good first step." Toh said. "But, it would be even better if you came to me the moment you noticed."
"I had some important documents to handle first."
Toh frowns. "Is Aki overworking you just because you two are still fighting?"
Sumire sighs. "Actually, he's been trying to apologize to me. But, don't worry. I'm ignoring him!" She said proudly.
Toh chuckled. "I'm glad you're standing your ground instead of forgiving him for everything."
'Although, a part of me doesn't disagree with the actions Aki took towards Nagawa Sano. After all, that scum hurt her so much.'
Still, from a regular person point of view killing your ex because he cheated would be too much.
The way she reacted though. Sumire still cares for that bastard. It makes sense, they didn't have a proper break up. From the sounds of it, Nagawa still likes her too and has regrets about the break up. It seemed like he was forced to break up with her.
'Although, I still don't have all the details. I know it has something to do with Lucifer.'
His thoughts break off seeing how pale Sumire's face was getting.
"Tsueno." Toh called out. "Sumire is sick, so I'm going to head home."
There was no movement when he called Tsueno's name, but Tsueno manifested the moment he mentioned Sumire was sick.
"You're not well?" Mamoru asked.
Sumire laughs softly. "Mm, but it's okay. I managed to get here by myself."
Mamoru turned to him. "Take her to your place."
Sumire sweat fell. "It's okay, I will be fine-"
Mamoru's gaze turned sharp and Sumire sighs. "Okay, I'll just intrude on Toh again."
'Did she really think I'd take her back to her house when she is in this state?'
...…..
Toh's gaze fell on the girl who was shifting uncomfortably on the bed.
Two hours had gone by since he brought her to his place.
'Her fever keeps increasing. It's almost forty degrees, it's too high for a regular person. But, last time I mentioned this Sumire pointed out that this was normal for hanyou's. The books in the organisation also suggest the same. Still, this must feel worse than a regular fever.'
"Toh." Sumire called out.
Toh gave her hand a gentle squeeze. "Right here beautiful."
"I want to cuddle, do you mind? If it's the hanyou fever, it shouldn't be contagious."
Silly girl, does she think that would bother him? Toh slides into the bed, and Sumire immediately snuggles into his embrace.
"You must feel really bad if your clinging to me." Toh said as he caressed her hair.
Sumire laughs softly. "I don't think I need to be sick to cling to you anymore."
"It's true I find you in my arms more often these days."
It's a good change, but after what happened not too long ago. 'I know better than to let my guard down.' Even now Sumire's words remained firm in his mind.
'She doesn't think I deserve her. She doesn't believe she deserves anyone's love or kindness.'
During one of their first sessions, it was one of the first things he noticed.
'I've started to get her to believe that she deserves the life of a normal girl.' But, this issue is far more complex. Sumire doesn't believe she deserves any form of happiness.
"It's comfortable." Sumire commented and laughed again. "You know, it's embarrassing to admit. But, I have a hard time falling asleep when I'm not in your arms. Every time I sleep alone now, it takes time and when I wake up in the morning I just naturally turn to your side expecting you to be there."
'I can tell, even if she can't. Her feelings for me have gotten a lot stronger. She definitely doesn't see me as a friend anymore.'